The latest Honda Trans Alp has been delivered into our grubby paws. Over the next week or so, we’ll be riding it and we’ll share our views in the next Dirt And Trail Bulletin.
Yes we have ridden her – and, yes we feel that the suspension is stiffer and better – and there seems to be a bit more grunt. Also noticeable is the improved ground clearance so, so-far we do like what we feel.
However: It would be very unfair to try and pen an entire feature after such a short ride.
For now, here’s a rundown of how Honda has improved the Trans Alp.
Updates Include:
Design & Aerodynamics:
A new, more aggressive front fairing design features a split LED headlight and a redesigned windscreen (made from eco-friendly Durabio by the way) with a central air duct for improved airflow and reduced buffeting. It does look fantastic.
Technology: A new 5-inch TFT color display replaces the previous unit, offering better sunlight visibility and easier navigation via a new backlit 4-way toggle switch. It includes Honda RoadSync for smartphone connectivity.
Suspension: This is the big one: The Showa 43mm SFF-CA front fork and rear shock have revised, stiffer hydraulic damping (both compression and rebound) for better off-road absorption and handling at speed.
Performance: The 755cc 8-valve parallel-twin engine produces 92 hp (67.5 kW) and 75 Nm of torque. Fuel settings have been tweaked to smooth out power delivery, particularly from a closed throttle. In our opinion, the outgoing model did not need more power.
Electronics & Safety: The bike now features 6 riding modes (Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel, and 2 User modes). A nice new touch allows user-customized settings (like Traction Control) to be saved even when the ignition is cycled.
It’s all meaningful stuff, and great additions to a bike that we already really like.
This one is dressed with a skid plate, crash bars and a few other bits and bobs that are available from your dealer.
Over the next week or so, we’ll ride her properly, take lots of pics and share our thoughts as we go.
By the way, there’s no price increase over the previous model – they are on the floor at R220.849.00
Watch this space for the feature – and in the interim, chat to your Honda dealer.
